Audi’s motorsport division has announced plans to launch a 500hp-plus (373kW) version of the R8 for use in next year’s GT3 series. The new car has been designed for private customer teams and fully conforms to the production-based GT3 regulations, which means they will be allowable in numerous national and international competitions.

Because the GT3 regulations prohibit the use of AWD the Audi R8 comes with a modified RWD powertrain and a newly developed six-speed sequential sports gearbox. The suspension is almost completely stock, with most of the modifications affecting the car’s aerodynamics package. A modified front end and a large rear-wing generate the required downforce for the race track.

The R8 race car, which bears the project name ‘R16’ within Audi’s motorsport division, has already conducted its first shakedown test this month at the hands of Audi factory driver Frank Biela. The cars are now scheduled to enter production at the Györ plant in Hungary and are expected to start delivery to customers in the first half of next year.